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Willis Programs Launches Unique Solution for Florida Attorneys

Willis Programs, a business unit of Willis Group Holdings (NYSE: WSH), the global insurance broker, today announced a customized insurance solution for attorneys in the state of Florida.

LegalFeeGuardSM is an insurance program that covers liability for attorney’s fees and costs under Florida’s Proposal for Settlement statute. Attorneys can purchase the insurance on behalf of their client using a credit card on the www.LegalFeeGuard.com website. The program is underwritten by an A.M. Best ‘A’ (Excellent) rated carrier on a surplus lines basis and is currently available for cases heard in Florida’s State Court system. Policy limits range from $10,000 to $100,000.

Commenting on the introduction, Stephen S. van Wert, LegalFeeGuard Program Manager said, “We are very excited to bring the LegalFeeGuard insurance program to the legal community in Florida. We believe that this program will proactively address various concerns that both plaintiffs and defense counsel have with respect to the Florida Proposal for Settlement statute (section 768.79) and Rule 1.442 of the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure.”

Willis Programs is working with the Florida Justice Association (FJA) to market the LegalFeeGuard program to its members. Paul Anderson, FJA President-elect and Chairman of the Business Development committee said, “I am proud to announce the FJA’s affinity relationship with LegalFeeGuard. I believe that this insurance product may finally allow litigants the opportunity to evaluate their case on its merits rather than under the pressure of having personal liability for the opposing party’s attorney’s fees. At the same time, I believe it may also provide a ready source of funds to indemnify parties for their attorney’s fees who have made good faith efforts to settle the case under the Proposal for Settlement statute.”

LegalFeeGuard is exclusively distributed through PFS Insurance Services, LLC. Commenting on LegalFeeGuard, Rick Kolodinsky, President of PFS Insurance Services and veteran Florida litigator said, “In my practice over the past 35 years, I knew there had to be a better way to deal with the Proposal for Settlement statute. Cases were not being evaluated on their merits, collections pursuant to the statute were too difficult, and there was too much additional litigation even after an award was made under the statute. I am very pleased how the LegalFeeGuard program responds to these issues.”

Willis Programs is a wholly owned subsidiary of Willis Group Holdings and serves commercial insurance brokers throughout the United States with over 30 unique insurance programs serving a range of businesses, from auto dealers to well drillers. A complete list of program offerings can be found at www.willisprograms.com.